PC Degree: 
BA/Humanities
Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts (2006)

PC Activities:  Theatre, Drama Club

Career Path:  Following graduation, John O'Hurley became the Public Relations Director at Waterbury Hospital, a Yale University School of Medicine teaching affiliate.  He also served as Public Relations Director for the American National Red Cross.

O'Hurley shifted gears and went on to create a successful career in entertainment.  On stage, he has performed in Same Time Next Year, The Pirates of Penzance, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Brigadoon, and most recently, starring in the role of Billy Flynn for a three-month run of Chicago on Broadway.  O'Hurley's film credits include Billy the Kid, The Power Within, and Night Eyes II.  He also has acted in the television movies White Hot, The Murder of Thelma Todd, Inner Sanctum, and Something is Out There. 

Renowned for his television guest appearances, O'Hurley played J. Peterman on Seinfeld, as well as roles on The Young and the Restless; Murder, She Wrote; Frasier; The Drew Carey Show; Living Single; and Melrose Place.  He starred in ABC's hit, Dancing with the Stars and hosts the National Dog Show presented by Purina.

O'Hurley is also a highly successful business entrepreneur. Profiled in Business Week, O'Hurley said, "I consider myself a corporation with several divisions." Among his active "divisions:" portraying J. Peterman as a pitchman for various products and corporations; serving as part-owner for the real J. Peterman Company; being the principal partner for two venture capital companies, Round One Investments, in Los Angeles, and Heritage Capital Investments, in Atlanta, GA; successfully repositioning several struggling radio stations into profitable enterprises in the emerging Dixie Hispanic market in the South; recording a classical CD that debuted in the top twenty on the Billboard Classical charts; and winning and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for a favorite charity, Golfers Against Cancer.

Staying Involved:  O'Hurley has maintained close ties to his alma mater. He presented the keynote address at the College's 88th Commencement in May 2006, and was presented the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.

Memorable Quotes:  "What was the most valuable at PC was the fact that I got to do major roles in about thirteen shows.  That's unusual in the university setting where graduate students usually get the good roles, leaving only the small parts for undergraduates.  PC gave me all the tools I needed to pursue acting."
  
"I miss the genuine kindness, caring support, and guidance I experienced in the PC community.  Since graduation over 30 years ago, I appreciate the Dominican presence more now.  Father Paul Seaver, O.P., and John Garrity from the theatre were both dear friends of mine.  Father Thomas Coskren, O.P., took a special interest, opening an Arts Honors course to me even though I was not an honors student.  A lot of what I learned in his course remains a strong part of my life today.  I frequently go back to those readings; they still sensitize me."